SENATE

Thursday, 13 October 2016 SENATE 77
"However, the committee does not agree that ionisation smoke alarms should be banned: photoelectric and ionisation smoke
alarms detect different fires in different ways and are therefore fit for purpose in particular locations." (Committee Report
page 33).
As the regulation of smoke alarms is a matter for consideration by the states and territories, any proposed amendments in
relation to smoke alarms in the NCC should be considered by states and territories through the ABCB.
Any proposed amendments should also take account of additional evidence that may be available through the ongoing
investigations being undertaken by the ABCB in collaboration with Fire and Rescue NSW.
Recommendation 4
The committee recommends, to give effect to Recommendation 3, that all state and territory governments adopt the amended
NCC and agree to apply it to all residential properties, irrespective of the age of a property.
Response
The Government notes this recommendation.
The regulation of smoke alarms is a matter for consideration by the states and territories. The Government notes that while the
NCC is not intended to apply retrospectively for existing residential properties, unless significant alterations and/or additions
are being undertaken, states and territories have the ability, through their own legislation, to apply the use of smoke alarms as
they see necessary.
It should be noted, however, that the cost of states and territories requiring smoke alarms to be installed in all residential
properties, irrespective of the age of a property, as per Recommendation 3, would be significant.
Recommendation 5
The committee recommends that all states and territories implement mandatory compliance checks of smoke alarms in
residential properties whenever a property is sold, tenanted or hired.
Response
The Government notes this recommendation.
The regulation of smoke alarms is the responsibility of state and territory governments. This issue is therefore a matter for
their consideration.
Recommendation 6
The committee recommends that the Commonwealth, state and territory governments develop and implement a package of
measures, including but not limited to a website and resources for key stakeholders, to educate Australians about:
different types of smoke alarms;
the benefits associated with installing smoke alarms with different smoke detection properties in particular locations within
a property;
the smoke alarm requirements that apply to residential properties in each jurisdiction;
the importance of regular smoke alarm testing and maintenance;
who has responsibility for installing and maintaining smoke alarms, and advice about how to do this or seek assistance to
do so; and
the triggers for compliance checking of smoke alarms (for example at time of sale, tenancy or hire).
Response
The Government notes this recommendation and agrees in principle with its intent.
The regulation of smoke alarms is the responsibility of state and territory governments. Any public awareness and education
measures in relation to smoke alarms should be considered and led by the states and territories, including through the ABCB
where appropriate.
It is noted that some of the recommended measures are already the subject of public awareness material produced by state and
territory government fire service authorities and product manufacturers' specifications. Such material should emphasise both
the effectiveness of smoke alarms and the importance of installing and using them correctly.
Recommendation 7
In the event Australian governments are unwilling to amend the NCC and apply it to all building stock irrespective of
classification and age, the committee recommends that they consider implementing a nationwide smoke alarm household
installation scheme that includes consultation with:
fire and emergency services, housing providers and the real estate agency industry; and
individuals and organisations working with vulnerable members of the community.
Response
The Government does not support this recommendation.
The appropriate mechanism for the regulation of smoke alarms already exists via the ABCB and the NCC, which is supported
by the Australian Government and all state and territory governments.
CHAMBER